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5 Things Nutritionists Order When They're Dining Out

Nutritionists – They’re Just Like Us!

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Nutritionists’ careers may revolve around food, but that doesn’t mean they want to be in the kitchen 24/7. Like most of us, they enjoy having others cook for them once in a while — even if it means going to a restaurant where they can’t control the amount of salt and oil that goes into their meal.

Luckily, they have the training and know-how to make healthy choices. Read on to learn what five nutritionists order when they go out to eat. A few of their choices might surprise you!

Pasta

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“My favorite foods to cook and dine on are Italian dishes,” says Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, an Everyday Health columnist. “My hubby and I love to share, which really helps when I want pasta but know fish is the healthier dish to get.”

To lighten up her spaghetti order, she requests that the chef "go easy on the oil and butter. Those extra calories don’t necessarily make the dish better — and I’d rather save them for dessert!” she says. Taub-Dix also orders whole-wheat pasta whenever it’s available.

Pizza

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“Who says you can’t eat healthy at a pizza place?” asks Debra Wein, RDN, president and cofounder of Sensible Nutrition. “I choose a thin, whole-wheat crust and skip the cheese to save on calories and fat. Loading on the veggies provides a bump of fiber and lots of flavor!”

Sushi

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Sushi tends to have a health halo, but not all rolls are created equal. Everyday Health nutritionist Kelly Kennedy, RD, steers clear of tempura-style rolls and anything with a mayonnaise-based sauce. Instead, she orders two rolls made with fresh fish, vegetables, and brown rice (instead of white rice). For an appetizer, she goes for edamame. “It’s a delightful, protein-packed way to start my meal,” she says.

Thai, Indian, and More

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Mary Hartley, RD, a Brooklyn, New York-based nutrition consultant, prefers to dine at home. “But when I do go out, I go for cuisine that I can't easily make myself, such as Thai food, Indian food, and ramen noodle bowls,” she says. The key to eating these types of foods is portion control. To keep from overindulging, ask the waiter to box up half your meal before bringing your dish to the table.

Fish

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“On the rare occasion that I’m lucky enough to have someone cook for me, I almost always choose a fish dish,” says Maureen Namkoong, RD, director of nutrition and fitness at Everyday Health. “I don’t cook much fish at home, so when I’m out, I love to try a variety I wouldn’t be brave enough to make on my own.” Fish is usually a healthy choice since it’s a lean source of protein and healthy fats — just be sure to choose baked, grilled, or broiled varieties.

“To balance out the meal, I order a side vegetable to make sure half my plate is filled with veggies,” says Namkoong. “I also try to start the meal with a salad or vegetable soup.”